Internet turns 30 but many Irish people without broadband feel like they are stuck in 1989

On the 30th anniversary of the internet, Labour TD for Cork East, Seán Sherlock TD, has said that many Irish people still feel like they are stuck in 1989 because their internet is so slow.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“Today, the internet turns thirty, not that many people in rural Ireland would know because their internet is moving at a snail’s pace.

“Getting access to broadband in rural Ireland today is like getting access to phone lines back in the 1970s.

“It is clear from the complete inaction by this Government when it comes to broadband, that thousands of citizens have been abandoned.

“There are approximately 927,000 homes and premises across rural Ireland who currently do not have high speed broadband and any further delay to the roll out of the Government’s scheme is simply unacceptable. In the context of the CSO results it is clear that if we want to get rural Ireland trending we need high speed broadband and full mobile coverage. If you cannot make a call on your mobile phone or get on the internet to conduct your business or communications, you are working with both hands tied behind your back.

“While many in rural Ireland are stuck in what seems like the dark ages when it comes to the provision of broadband, it doesn’t have to be this way. It is clear to me that further policy and regulatory frameworks need to be put in place to stimulate commercial companies to deliver top quality internet to the maximum number of homes and businesses across rural area.”